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Renters together workshops

Renters Together: How do we build a fair renting future? 

Sick of living in a crappy rental? Want to meet other renters from your local neighbourhood to talk about how to make renting fairer? Come along to our Renters Together workshops to share a meal and explore what better renting looks like and what policy changes we need to get us there.

Hosted by renters, for renters, the two-session workshops will include time to meet other local renters, go through workshop content, and share a meal. 

Session 1: Where we’re at, and where we want to go

This workshop will look at the current political landscape on rental reform, then explore renters’ experiences of the rental system as it is now; what makes renting hard, and what that looks like, from mouldy bathroom ceilings to wrongful evictions. Then, participants will have a chance to explore what fair renting would actually look like, building a collective vision for good quality, stable renting.

Session 2: What needs to change and how we make it happen

The second session will then bring together the political context and our vision for fair renting, and ask participants to think about what laws and rules need to change to make fair renting actually happen. Renters will hear about what’s worked to make renting better in other states and internationally, and decide which changes they think the government should most urgently make to rental laws here.

Please note: all participants will receive a gift card as a thank you for their time (the value of the gift card will be $140 for attending both sessions). 

Workshop details: 

SOUTH – City of Onkaparinga

Dates: Session 1: Saturday 22 August, 12.30pm – 3.00pm 
              Session 2: Saturday 5 September,  12.30pm – 3.00pm
Venue: Wardli Youth Centre, 13 McKinna Road, Christie Downs

REGISTER HERE TO ATTEND

NORTH – City of Salisbury 

Dates: Session 1: Wednesday 19 August, 5.30pm – 8.00pm 
              Session 2: Wednesday 2 September,  5.30pm – 8.00pm
Venue: Salisbury North Community Centre, 17 Bagster Road, Salisbury North

REGISTER HERE TO ATTEND

INNER WEST –  City of West Torrens

Session 1: Wednesday August 26, 5:30pm-8pm
                      Mellor Park Community Cottage, 10 Myzantha Street, Lockleys
Session 2:  Thursday 3 September,  5.30pm – 8.00pm
                      Cowandilla Community Room, 173 Sir Donald Bradman Drive, Cowandilla

REGISTER HERE TO ATTEND

If you have any questions regarding the workshops, including accessibility requirements, please contact Pas Forgione via email at pas@sacoss.org.au or call 8305 4222.

The Renters Together workshops are facilitated by SACOSS, Anti-Poverty Network SA, Better Renting, and Renters and Housing Union, with support from the Wyatt Trust.

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JEREMY BROWN

Jeremy is currently the Chief Executive at Uniting Communities and is deeply committed to cultivating a strong, values-driven organisational culture that places people and community at its core. His leadership style is grounded in empathy, innovation, and strategic growth, ensuring that Uniting Communities continues to deliver inclusive and impactful services to more than 80,000 South Australians each year.

His previous roles include Chief Operating Officer of Novita Services and Chief Operating Officer of Baptist Care (SA). He has also had a long-standing association with SACOSS where he served as a member of their Policy Council.

MICHELE WACHLA

Michele is an accomplished social services professional with a dual background in Social Work and Business, bringing over 18 years of experience to her work. She has developed a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities within Regional, Rural, and Remote (RRR) environments, particularly in South Australia. Michele is a recognised leader, known for her expertise in designing and implementing place-based initiatives that address the complexities of RRR communities. Her work is underpinned by strategic planning, effective resourcing, and a strong focus on policy review and advocacy to ensure that services remain relevant, equitable, and sustainable. Michele’s commitment to community-centred approaches drives meaningful outcomes, nurturing resilience, and growth across regional South Australia.

KHATIJA THOMAS

DAVE ADAMSON

Dave moved to Australia following a 30-year academic career in the UK. He has since worked in the Community Housing sector and authored the 2016 Towards a National Housing Strategy, and helped to establish the Everybody’s Home campaign. He also researches the interface between poverty and climate change and actively supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. He has worked with government at all levels and has experience of policy development and evaluation. He is co-author of Sustainable Places: Addressing Social Inequality and Environmental Crisis (2022, Routledge). In his spare time he plays and builds guitars.

ROHAN FEEGRADE

Rohan is an experienced and forward-thinking CEO, senior executive and board director with demonstrated expertise across the not-for-profit, private and government sectors. Currently CEO of Lutheran Care, he has proven record for creating substantial organisational, stakeholder and client value, and has extensive experience in strategically positioning organisations for transformational change and growth within the health, disability, education and community service sectors. Rohan is a socially responsible professional, genuinely passionate about creating opportunities for people who live with disadvantage and disability, always acting ethically to serve those he works with and for.

JANE MUSSARED

Jane has worked in for purpose and government health and human service settings throughout her career. In June 2024 she returned to SA and joined the Maggie Beer Foundation as CEO following 20 months based in Canberra as an Advisor to the Federal Minister for Health and Aged Care. Previously she was Chief Executive of COTA SA and before that an executive of ACH Group. Jane served on a range of boards and committees prior to moving to Canberra, including the SACOSS Policy Council until 2022, as chair of the South Australian Circus Centre and as a non-Executive Director with the Maggie Beer Foundation.

NANCY PENNA

Nancy has than 30 years of experience in South Australian community services, and a a unique understanding of the political and social landscape and the issues and opportunities facing South Australia. Currently responsible for the strategic and operational oversight of AnglicareSA’s community services portfolio, she has previously held executive roles in government within child protection and disability, with her executive experience underpinned by her earlier career as a social worker in child protection and youth justice. She is also Chair of the Child and Family Focus South Australia (CAFFSA) Board and most recently on the Housing Security for Older Women Taskforce.

NICOLE CHAPLIN

Nicole is a dedicated and experienced youth support professional, specialising in solutions for disadvantaged young people in South Australia. As CEO of St John’s Youth Services, she oversees innovative programs like youth110 and Foyer Port Adelaide. With over thirty years in the community sector, Nicole has built extensive networks and her expertise spans governance, service delivery, policy development, and partnerships. Recognised with the 2018 AHI Inspirational Leader Award, Nicole is an active participant in housing and homelessness networks. She holds leadership roles in various organisations, including Anglicare Australia’s National Reconciliation Network.

EMMA CROSBY

Emma is a chartered Accountant with more than 15 years experience as a board member, finance and business professional, strategic advisor and company secretary. She has strong values and a passion for enabling and leading organisations to meet its operational and strategic direction through long-term financial sustainability, operational efficiency, innovation, leadership, transformation and partnerships. As Treasurer and Board member at SACOSS, she is committed to successfully leading and making a purposeful impact to the organisation and its stakeholders.

David PANTER

David has worked in health and social care for almost 45 years, over half of which has been as a Chief Executive. In the UK he initially worked in the NHS and more latterly in local government, where he was Chief Executive of Brighton & Hove City Council. In 2004 David was recruited to the South Australian public health system for over 10 years leading reforms including the development of the new Royal Adelaide Hospital. From 2015-2022 David was the Chief Executive of not-for-profit aged care provider ECH. At the end of January 2022 David became the Chief Executive at Minda, SA’s largest provider of services to people living with an intellectual disability.